Lesson Title: Unpopular Opinions (But Fun!)

Lesson Overview

• Target Audience: CEFR B1 Japanese Adults (Middle-aged/Older), Mixed returning/new.
• Time: 90 minutes
• Topic: Expressing and justifying personal opinions on fun, low-stakes topics.
• Main Goal: To enable students to confidently express agreement and polite disagreement, and justify their opinions on various topics using B1-level discourse strategies.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Express a personal opinion on a familiar topic.
• Use a variety of phrases to express polite disagreement.
• Justify their opinions with simple reasons using conjunctions like “because” and “however.”
• Participate actively in both a mingling activity and a small group discussion with a clear goal.

Target Language

• Focus: Phrases for polite disagreement.
• Phrases/Vocabulary:
  • “I see your point, but…” (Acknowledges the other person’s view before disagreeing)
  • “That’s an interesting perspective, however…” (Shows respect for the idea before offering a different one)
  • “I’m not so sure about that, because…” (A gentle way to introduce a counter-argument)
  • “I understand what you mean, although for me…” (Shows empathy before stating a personal preference)
  • “On the other hand…” (Used to present a contrasting viewpoint)

Materials

• Whiteboard & Markers
• Projector & Computer
• Obsidian Slides (see outline below)
• Handouts:
  • “Polite Disagreement Phrases” Handout (1 per student)
  • “Unpopular Opinion” cards for mingling (1 card per student, cut from a larger list)
  • List of additional opinions for group discussion (1 per group)
• Small pieces of paper & pens for Exit Tickets

Lesson Procedure

1. Getting Started (Warm-up) (5 minutes)

• Purpose: To introduce the concept of personal preference in a simple, engaging way.
• Activity: Personal Preference Poll
  • 1. Project a simple “This or That?” question on a slide (e.g., “Coffee or Tea?”, “Cats or Dogs?”).
  • 2. Ask students to raise their hands for their preference. Briefly ask one or two students, “Why do you prefer [coffee]?”
  • 3. Explain that today’s lesson is all about sharing our personal, and sometimes unusual, opinions.
• CCQs:
  • “Are we talking about facts or opinions?” (Opinions)
  • “Do you need to give a long speech?” (No, just a short reason)

2. Introducing the Topic/Language Focus (15 minutes)

• Purpose: To introduce the theme of “unpopular opinions” and equip students with the target phrases for polite disagreement.
• Activity: Introducing Polite Disagreement
  • 1. Introduce the idea of an “unpopular opinion” with a simple example: “My unpopular opinion is… winter is better than summer.” Ask if students agree or disagree.
  • 2. Distribute the “Polite Disagreement Phrases” Handout.
  • 3. Go through each phrase on the slides/handout. Model the pronunciation and provide a clear example for each, showing how it’s softer than saying “You’re wrong.”
  • 4. Briefly explain the goal of the main activities: to share opinions and practice using these new phrases.
• CCQs:
  • “If you disagree, should you say ‘That’s a bad idea’?” (No)
  • “Which phrase can you use if you understand someone but have a different idea?” (e.g., “I see your point, but…”)
  • “How many opinion cards will you get for the next activity?” (One)

3. Let’s Talk! (Main Activities) (60 minutes)

• Purpose: To provide structured and free practice using the target language in communicative contexts.
• Activity 1: Opinion Mingling (20 minutes)
  • 1. Give each student one card with a single unpopular opinion on it.
  • 2. Instruct students to stand up, walk around the room, and find a partner.
  • 3. They should share the opinion on their card and ask their partner if they agree or disagree.
  • 4. The listener should practice using one of the polite disagreement phrases from the handout if they disagree, and then give a short reason.
  • 5. Encourage them to talk to at least 4-5 different people.
  • Note for Richard: Give clear instructions on the process (find a partner, share, listen & respond, find a new partner).
• CCQs for Activity 1:
  • “Are you sitting down or standing up?” (Standing up)
  • “Do you talk to only one person?” (No, many people)
  • “What should you use if you have a different opinion?” (A phrase from the handout)
• Activity 2: Group Discussion & Selection (30 minutes)
  • 1. Put students into new groups of 3 or 4.
  • 2. Give each group a short list of 4-5 new unpopular opinions.
  • 3. Instruct them to discuss each opinion. Each person should share their view and try to use the target phrases.
  • 4. Explain their goal: After discussing all the opinions, the group must decide together which opinion was the “most surprising” or “most interesting” to them as a group.
  • 5. They should also decide who will report their choice to the class and briefly explain why it was surprising.
• CCQs for Activity 2:
  • “Are you working alone or in a group?” (In a group)
  • “What is your group’s goal?” (To choose the most surprising opinion)
  • “Does everyone need to agree on the final choice?” (Yes, as a group)
• Activity 3: Sharing Our Findings (10 minutes)
  • 1. Ask the designated person from each group to stand up and share their group’s choice.
  • 2. They should say: “Our group chose ‘[The opinion]’ as the most surprising opinion because…”
  • 3. Keep this part brief and positive. Applaud each group after they share.
  • Note for Richard: This provides the presentation practice, but keeps it short and manageable to avoid time pressure issues.

4. Wrapping Up (Review & Feedback) (10 minutes)

• Purpose: Consolidate learning, address questions, apply error correction, and gather feedback.
• Activities:
  • 1. Lesson Recap: Briefly praise the students for their great discussions and for respectfully sharing different ideas.
  • 2. Error Correction Slot: On the whiteboard, write down 3-4 anonymized sentences you heard with common errors (especially related to the target phrases or justifications). Ask the class to correct them together.
  • 3. Final Q&A: Ask if anyone has any final questions about the phrases or vocabulary.
  • 4. Exit Ticket: Distribute the paper slips for feedback.

Instructor Guidance & Notes

• Error Correction Strategy: During the activities, listen and jot down common errors related to the target phrases (e.g., I'm not agree because... -> I don't agree because... or I'm not so sure, because...). Use these for the delayed correction slot.
• Cultural Sensitivity: The pre-selected opinions are designed to be lighthearted. Remind students that all opinions are welcome and there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. The focus is on communication, not debate.
• Flexibility: Timings are a guide. If a group is having a particularly good discussion, give them an extra minute before moving on, but keep an eye on the clock to ensure time for the wrap-up.
• Differentiation: Encourage stronger students to ask follow-up questions (“Can you tell me more about why you think that?”). For students who may be less confident, the handout and sentence starters provide strong support.

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Suggested Supporting Materials Content

List of 100 Safe “Unpopular Opinions” (For Instructor Use)

(Choose from this list for the mingling cards and group discussion sheets)

Category: Food & Drink

1. Pineapple on pizza is delicious.
2. Ketchup on rice is a great combination.
3. Cold, leftover pizza is better than hot pizza.
4. Mint chocolate chip is the worst ice cream flavor.
5. Cilantro (coriander) tastes like soap.
6. Black coffee is the only real way to drink coffee.
7. Cereal is better with water than with milk.
8. Well-done steak is the best way to eat steak.
9. Mayonnaise is a fantastic dipping sauce for french fries.
10. Drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth is fine.
11. White chocolate is the best kind of chocolate.
12. Soup is not a real meal.
13. Pickles are the best snack.
14. Putting ice in milk is refreshing.
15. Natto is delicious.
16. The crust is the best part of the pizza.
17. Green tea is better than coffee.
18. Anpan is better than cream pan.
19. Wasabi should be put on everything.
20. Japanese-style curry is better than Indian-style curry.

Category: Entertainment (Movies, Music, TV, Books)

21. Watching a movie at home is better than going to the cinema.
22. Movie trailers show too much of the story.
23. It’s okay to talk during a movie at the cinema.
24. Books are always better than the movies based on them.
25. Black and white movies are more interesting than color movies.
26. Listening to music with sad lyrics can make you feel happy.
27. Reading the end of a book first is a good idea.
28. Reality TV is the most entertaining type of show.
29. It’s better to watch a TV series all at once (binge-watch) than week by week.
30. J-Pop is more interesting than Western pop music.
31. Stand-up comedy is not very funny.
32. The commercials on TV are sometimes more interesting than the shows.
33. Video games are a form of art.
34. Watching sports is more fun than playing them.
35. It’s okay to fold the corner of a page in a book.
36. Anime is only for children.
37. Enka music is very cool.
38. Ghibli movies are a little boring.
39. Morning TV dramas are the best shows on television.
40. Karaoke is more fun to watch than to do.

Category: Daily Life & Habits

41. Rainy days are better than sunny days.
42. Getting up early on weekends is better than sleeping in.
43. It’s better to wash dishes by hand than to use a dishwasher.
44. Ironing clothes is a relaxing activity.
45. A messy desk is a sign of a creative mind.
46. Taking a cold shower is better than a hot one.
47. It’s better to call someone than to send a text message.
48. Shopping for groceries is a fun activity.
49. Wearing socks to bed is comfortable.
50. The morning is the worst part of the day.
51. Doing housework is more satisfying than relaxing.
52. It’s good to have a TV in the bedroom.
53. Taking the stairs is always better than taking the elevator.
54. People should talk to strangers on the train.
55. It’s better to be too hot than too cold.
56. Having a lot of clutter at home is cozy.
57. Monday is the best day of the week.
58. It’s okay to re-gift a present you received.
59. Taking a bath is better than taking a shower.
60. Writing letters by hand is better than sending emails.

Category: Travel & Leisure

61. A staycation (vacation at home) is better than traveling.
62. The window seat on an airplane is the worst seat.
63. It’s more fun to travel alone than with family or friends.
64. Crowded tourist spots are exciting and fun.
65. Camping in a tent is more comfortable than staying in a hotel.
66. The journey is more important than the destination.
67. It’s better to have a very detailed travel plan than to be spontaneous.
68. Going to the mountains is better than going to the beach.
69. Winter is the best season for a vacation.
70. Visiting a museum is the best way to spend a day off.
71. Package tours are more relaxing than planning your own trip.
72. A long train ride is more enjoyable than a short flight.
73. Amusement park rides are not fun at all.
74. Onsen are not very relaxing.
75. Souvenirs are a waste of money.

Category: Miscellaneous

76. Cats are better pets than dogs.
77. Winter fashion is better than summer fashion.
78. Surprises are stressful, not fun.
79. Having a birthday is not very exciting.
80. The countryside is a more interesting place to live than the city.
81. Superstitions are important to follow.
82. Board games are more fun than video games.
83. Getting older is something to look forward to.
84. Loud, noisy places are more relaxing than quiet ones.
85. It’s better to be a little late than to be too early.
86. Physical books are better than e-books.
87. A simple life is a boring life.
88. Smartphones have made our lives worse.
89. Uniforms (for school or work) are a great idea.
90. Learning a new language is easy.
91. History is the most interesting subject to study.
92. Math is fun.
93. It’s better to give advice than to receive it.
94. Big parties are better than small gatherings.
95. Sharing food at a restaurant is a bad idea.
96. Handwriting is not an important skill anymore.
97. Being busy is a happy state.
98. New Year’s resolutions are a waste of time.
99. Gardening is hard and not very rewarding.
100. Ghosts are real.

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Handout Content: “Polite Disagreement Phrases”

(Simple, clear layout for a B1-level handout)

How to Disagree Politely in English

When we have a different opinion, it’s important to be polite. Using these phrases can help you sound friendly and respectful.

Phrase	When to use it	Example
I see your point, but…	When you understand the other person’s reason, but you have a different idea.	A: “Winter is the best season.” B: “I see your point about the beautiful snow, but I think summer is better for swimming.”
That’s an interesting perspective, however…	When you think the other person’s idea is unique or surprising, but you disagree.	A: “A messy desk is a sign of creativity.” B: “That’s an interesting perspective, however, I feel more creative when my desk is clean.”
I’m not so sure about that, because…	A gentle and common way to say you disagree and want to give a reason.	A: “Watching movies at home is better than the cinema.” B: “I’m not so sure about that, because the big screen and sound at the cinema are amazing.”
I understand what you mean, although for me…	Shows you listened carefully, but your personal feeling is different.	A: “Traveling alone is more fun.” B: “I understand what you mean about freedom, although for me, it’s more fun to share experiences with friends.”
On the other hand…	A good way to introduce a completely different or opposite viewpoint.	A: “Living in the city is exciting.” B: “That’s true. On the other hand, the countryside is so peaceful and relaxing.”

Remember: The goal is to have a good conversation, not to win an argument!

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Potential Online Resource Search Terms

• “ESL expressing opinions game”
• “B1 discussion questions disagreeing”
• “Video polite disagreement English conversation”
• “Would you rather questions for ESL students”

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Obsidian Slides Outline

## Unpopular Opinions

### Let's Discuss Our Different Ideas!

`A clean and simple photographic image for a presentation. A close-up on two different colored speech bubbles made of paper, held by hands. The background is a soft, neutral, out-of-focus classroom setting, conveying the idea of different but respected opinions. Bright, inviting light. FLUX.1 style.`

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# Warm-up

## This or That?

### Coffee or Tea?

### Cats or Dogs?

### Summer or Winter?

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# Today's Goal

## Share opinions and practice polite disagreement.

### There are no "right" or "wrong" answers!

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# Key Phrases

## How to Disagree Politely

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# I see your point, but...

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## == **I see your point, but...** ==

### Use this when you understand their reason, but have a different idea.

#### Example: "I see your point about the snow, but I prefer summer."

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# That's an interesting perspective, however...

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## == **That's an interesting perspective, however...** ==

### Use this when their idea is surprising or unique, but you feel differently.

#### Example: "That's an interesting perspective, however, I find messy desks stressful."

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# I'm not so sure about that, because...

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## == **I'm not so sure about that, because...** ==

### Use this as a gentle way to disagree and give your reason.

#### Example: "I'm not so sure about that, because I love the big screen at the cinema."

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# Activity 1: Opinion Mingling

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## Instructions

- 1. Take one opinion card.

- 2. Stand up and find a partner.

- 3. Share your opinion. Ask your partner if they agree.

- 4. Listen and respond using a polite phrase.

- 5. Find a new partner! Talk to 4-5 people.

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# Activity 2: Group Discussion

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## Instructions

- 1. Get into groups of 3-4.

- 2. Discuss the new opinions on your list.

- 3. Use the polite disagreement phrases.

- 4. **Your Goal:** Choose the **most surprising** opinion as a group.

- 5. Decide who will share your group's choice with the class.

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# Wrap-up & Q&A

### Let's review what we learned.

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# Exit Ticket

### Please share your feedback!


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Exit Ticket Questions (For Paper Handout)

1. What part of today’s lesson did you enjoy the most?
2. Was today’s lesson: (Circle one) Too Difficult / Just Right / Too Easy ?
3. Was the vocabulary (the new phrases): (Circle one) Too Difficult / Just Right / Too Easy ?
4. Any other comments or suggestions for future lessons? (Optional: Write in English or Japanese)

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Lesson Plan for Students (Blog Post Version)

• Lesson Topic: Unpopular Opinions (But Fun!)
• What we will do: We will have a fun discussion about some unusual opinions! First, we’ll move around the room to share ideas with many classmates. Then, in small groups, we will discuss more opinions and work together to choose the most surprising one.
• Key Phrases/Vocabulary: We will practice using friendly and polite phrases for when you have a different opinion, such as “I see your point, but…” and “I’m not so sure about that, because…”
• Handouts: You will receive a handout with useful phrases to help you in our discussions.
• See you in class!

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Featured Image Prompt for Blog Post

A bright and inviting photographic image for a blog post. A small group of middle-aged Japanese adults are in a clean, modern classroom, smiling and engaged in a lively but friendly discussion. One person is gesturing thoughtfully while speaking, and the others are listening with interested and positive expressions. The focus is on respectful communication and the joy of exchanging different ideas. Soft, natural light fills the scene. The background is pleasantly blurred. FLUX.1 style.

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Blog Post Excerpt

This week, let’s explore how to share our unique ideas! We’ll practice using key B1 phrases to express our opinions and disagree politely in a fun, low-pressure discussion. Come ready to chat, listen, and discover some surprising perspectives